A legendary story
Mahabodhi Temple offers an incredible tale about its origin and development that only adds to its mysticism and intrigue. Over its history, it has survived numerous invasions and disasters yet always managed to be restored with great care and reverence. Historical accounts suggest that Emperor Ashoka visited Bodh Gaya during the 3rd century BCE and built a stupa in memory of Lord Buddha's awakening. Megasthenes visited around this same period and wrote an account extolling its magnificence in his account of Bodh Gaya. Sir Alexander Cunningham first discovered the remains of this temple while working in Britain during the 19th century and initiated restoration efforts. Since then, various Buddhist organisations and governments have assisted in safeguarding and developing this heritage site.
A spiritual getaway
Your visit to Mahabodhi Temple will provide many rewarding and life-enriching experiences that will remain with you long after departing.
Explore a Temple Complex: Delve into this expansive temple complex featuring its main temple, Bodhi Tree, meditation parks, smaller temples and monuments that reveal fascinating aspects of Buddhist history and culture - every step will unveil new aspects!
Meditation and Prayer Sessions at Temple Complex: Come enjoy relaxing meditation and prayer sessions held within this serene temple complex to find inner peace and self-discovery. The peaceful setting offers the ideal setting for spiritual reflection.
Cultural Workshops: Interact with resident monks, attend talks and take part in workshops about Buddhism to gain a better understanding of its teachings and traditions.
Souvenir Shopping: Discover an eclectic array of souvenir shops and bookstores within the temple complex that offer items related to Buddhism ranging from books and prayer flags, incense, religious artefacts and more - these mementos allow you to bring home a piece of your spiritual journey!
Gastronomic Delights: Make Gaya an unforgettable taste experience by tasting local dishes like Litti-Chokha, Sattu Paratha, Khaja and Tilkut to discover Gaya's vibrant culinary history.
Honouring spiritual traditions
Engage yourself in the joyous celebrations that bring Mahabodhi Temple to life! Take part in all its exciting celebrations.
Buddha Jayanti: Held annually on a full moon day in May or June, this festival honours Lord Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death. Temples become centres for prayerful celebration during this joyful occasion.
Magha Puja Day: Held annually on a full moon day in February or March, Magha Puja Day commemorates when Buddha gave an important teaching known as Ovada Patimokkha.
Dharma Chakra Day: Celebrated every full moon day in July, Dharma Chakra Day marks Buddha's inaugural sermon delivered at Sarnath near Varanasi. Temples throughout India honour this event by hosting sermons, prayers and spiritual discussions that resonate throughout their temple grounds.
Nyingma Monlam Chenmo: Each February, Buddhist practitioners from across the globe come together at this major prayer festival to join together in praying and chanting mantras for world peace and unification at Nyingma Monlam Chenmo.
Kalachakra Festival: Held every 12 years, this significant Buddhist celebration draws millions of visitors worldwide. Attracting over one million each time, this event features the creation of a sand mandala, special prayers, and teachings by Dalai Lama himself.
Exploring the spiritual landscape
Take your spiritual exploration beyond Mahabodhi Temple to explore nearby attractions.
Phalgu River: Take an inward spiritual journey by immersing yourself in the sacred waters of Falgu River, revered by pilgrims. Ritually purify yourself and add depth and clarity to your journey with ritual bathing at this revered spot.
Bodhi Tree: Situated within the temple complex, this Bodhi Tree holds special historical and spiritual significance as the site where Lord Buddha is said to have found enlightenment. Spend some time sitting under its shade to experience its powerful energy!
Barabar Caves: Enjoy an exploration tour through Barabar Hills's ancient rock-cut caverns - some of the oldest remaining rock-cut caverns in India that offer glimpses into ancient architectural marvels.
Vishnupad Temple: Just two kilometres away from Akshayavat Tree, this Hindu temple is believed to house Lord Vishnu's footprints imprinted onto rock surfaces - offering insight into various religious beliefs and practices.
Visit Sujata Stupa: Situated near Mahabodhi Temple, Sujata Stupa commemorates where Sujata, a village girl from East Bengal, offered Prince Siddhartha rice pudding before becoming Buddha enlightened - an act with great significance in Buddha's journey to enlightenment. This small act made such an impactful difference!
Step into an extraordinary spiritual experience as you enter the Mahabodhi Temple's sacred grounds. Marvel at its architectural grandeur, take in its history, and relax into its serenity; feel its aura of enlightenment lead you toward greater understanding of Buddhism and self-discovery. Meditation sessions, prayer services and cultural immersion events make the Mahabodhi Temple an unforgettable destination for anyone searching for solace, illumination or connection with ancient spiritual traditions.
